Poem about child abuse

ABUSE OF THE FLESH

A child so soft and pure of heart
Brings certain joy to those they touch.
Laughter so carefree and young
Seems as bright as the sun above.

Sometimes though, the sun doesn't shine
Those they touch feel no joy.
For those they touch, find no joy in them.
They rebel against their own flesh,
They batter and they beat.

The child doesn't know any better.
The child thinks they are bad and must be punished.
They think...

Their thoughts are wrong.
Those that batter don't know any better.
They are the ones who should be punished.
And they know...Oh, yes they know.

To pick up the pieces
For those who are battered,
Is a hard thing to do.

But it is done and they are strong.
No more will they be battered.
They know they did no wrong.

Shown the love, they know is there.
They rise above those they hate.
The sun shines bright once again.
Their laughter fills the air
Bringing joy to those who care.

A child needs not be battered
But loved and cherished,
As God meant for them to be.

Excerpt from "Internally Love Shines"